Parts Required:

Control knob

Hot Tip:

Careful with the wiring connection

Performance Gain:

Working command center

Complementary Modification:

Detail the interior

The command control scrolling knob is well known to fail over the years in the Mercedes W204. While the part is not cheap, replacing it is not difficult. Make sure you use care when removing the trim sections to replace the knob as the trim can break if you are prying from the wrong place. Also, it can be expensive to replace.

If you are going to be working on the interior of your vehicle make sure you own and use a set of trim removal tools. These hard plastic tools are great for working with trim pieces and pay for themselves many times over the first time you scratch a trim piece by trying to remove it with a screwdriver. Pelican sells them. If you are doing this job and don't own them consider ordering them along with the parts for this job.

Figure 1

You will need to remove the gear shift knob and surround to replace the scrolling knob. The wiring connection is under the surround, and it is the only way you can access it.

Begin with the shift knob, boot and surround. Make sure you are using a trim removal tool. Starting at one corner pry up in the trim piece while working your way around it (red arrows). There are five clips on the piece holding it in place, two on each side and one on the top and bottom. If the piece has never been removed it will be a very snug fit.

Next, remove the surround around the shifter. Start up in the corners (red arrows) and pry up the trim piece. There are two clips on the front of the piece and two hooks on the rear. By prying up the front you can slide the hooks out from the rear by sliding the piece forward.

You can see the clip and how it sits in the plastic mount (red arrow). While there is a small clip in the center of the trim piece you do not want to pry from the middle or you run the risk of breaking the trim piece.